Sailors On the Scene - Volume 3 - Issue 2

Sailors On the ScenenewsmagazineDecember 2008 | Volume 3 | Issue 2

MONA SHORES MIDDLE SCHOOL I 1700 WOODSIDE I MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN 49441

On the InsideShould students get more passing time?

Seventh grade blue basketball

defeat RocketsBats invade Media Center

www.sailorsonthescene.com

sai lors on the scene ~ staff

Page Two2

On

The

Coverphoto by: joie workman

Seventh graders Kyle Peterson, Amanda Versalle, Clair Jennings and Mallory Schrier help carry the food from the classrooms to the Muskegon Rescue Mission truck.

editor-in-chief:logan george

managing editor:kelsey mckinley

photo editors:sarina hobby

section editors:madison gentryarielle jibsonalexis pierce

hunter carlsonemily de mottallissa dykemakagan hopkinsbrooke ledsworthcandis moorelizzy paulkayla sandore

tyler bryantkenzie careybrandy cumbeebrenden farnquistsami foxhelen oldakerlance osbornecherish pittmanchris randallleeann ronningella turrelljoie workman

staff writers:adviser:mike phillips

editorial board:shelly dykstracarol mogdisbeth prenticeamy stielstratammy sylvesterlori veurink

Adding more passing time between classes would allow students to get to their classes on time without having to rush in the halls.

Between classes, students are always hur-rying and trying to bal-ance their time between

getting their books, going to the bathroom, and socializing with their friends. Adding two minutes to the five minutes we already have, would allow students to get where they need to go and do what they need to without having to constantly worry about

being late.Just

about every teacher takes at least two minutes in class prepar-ing and organizing their lesson

plan and figuring out what they are going to talk about. By adding two more minutes to passing time, it would give teachers the opportunity to get their things prepared and organized without using class time.

There are, however, laws that require stu-dents to be in school for 1,098 instructional hours per school year. If our school were to add two minutes of passing time between each class, it would total 10 minutes that would have to somehow be included back into the school day. If we split that time up and started five minutes earlier and ended

five minutes later, school would go from 7:40 a.m. until 2:50 p.m., which is the time

that the high school starts and ends. Teachers are always trying to

prepare students for high school and this would just be another step in that direction.

If our school were to allow more pass-

ing time between classes, it would be a huge benefit to both teach-ers and students in many ways.

In the Lead 3

More passing time would benefit students and staff

Our Voice

Mona Shores students have many opportunities to succeed in a variety of different electives. Our school offers 12 electives for seventh grade and 19 for eighth grade. While some schools do not even have computers for students, our school offers three optional classes and one required technology class. The middle school also offers an excellent

music program including band, jazz band, orchestra, and choir. Honors classes are also offered to a select few who excel in a subject area. Students should be grateful that they are offered such a wide range and variety of elective classes. When you are choosing your electives for the next year, be sure to carefully read all of the course descriptions so you know exactly

what class you are going to be participat-ing in. Be careful, you don’t want to end up in an elective that you won’t enjoy and succeed in.

Electives are many, but be careful what you choose.

Our Voice is the opinion message selected by the editors of the Sailors On the Scene newsmagazine.

LoganGeorge

Most students feel like there is not enough passing time getting from class to class and navigating crowded hallways as shown here down the seventh grade hallway. Adding an additional two minutes would allow students to take care of their responsibilities.

photo by: alexis pierce

— James Huth ~ 6th

“I think that we should have a few more minutes for passing time.”

— Mr. Levandoski ~ Principal

“I think five minutes is plenty.”

— Lindy Torvinen ~ 8th

“I think starting at 7:40 a.m. and ending at 2:50 p.m. would be ok if we had two more minutes of passing time.”

On Wednesday, November 12, the Me-dia Center received salmon eggs so that students could learn more about their life cycle.

It is part of a salmon in the class room program which is sponsored by the De-partment of Natural Resources and Grand Haven Offshore Challenge.

“In order to participate in the salmon in the classroom project, I had to attend a Sat-urday workshop at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery,” media specialist Lori Veurink said. “It was very informational and the fishery was very impressive.”

Its purpose is to educate students and make them aware of water pollution so they will understand and be active in cleaning our rivers and lakes.

“I would pick up trash, tell others not to dump chemicals into the rivers,” seventh grader Rachel Resterhouse said. “I would also tell people not to fertilize near the riv-ers!”

The salmon raised in the 60 gallon tank will be released into the Grand River when they are five months old and about six inches long.

“Fishing in the Grand River was so fun,” eighth grader Landon Kresnak said. “The whole time I was fishing I was thinking of the fish in the media center and wondering if I was going to catch one.”

This is not just another science activity, but an interactive display so that all students can see first hand the different stages of the salmon life cycle.

“It can be a science activity, but every-one can pay attention to it and see what the salmon go through,” sixth grader Zach-ary Hellman said. “It is a very interactive display!”

Many other schools like Grand Haven and West Ottawa participate in the project and encourage students to take part in all the fun.

“It is something that most people don’t get to see,” Mr. Sylvester said. “They get to see them start as little eggs and grow up to fry and eventually get freed into the river where we could fish for them.”

Features4

Salmon are used to help educate students about conservation

Publications editors travel to Michigan State University to attend journalism conference

The editors of the middle school newspa-per, Sailors On the Scene, took a field trip to the campus of Michigan State University for a journalism conference sponsored by the Michigan Interscholastic Press Associa-tion.

“It was exciting to see all the different schools and newspapers,” Hobby said.

The editors, including editor-in-chief Logan George, managing editor Kelsey McKinley, photo editor Sarina Hobby, and section editors Arielle Jibson, Madison Gentry and Alexis Pierce left for the con-ference at 6:30 a.m.

“On the way to East Lansing I felt excited to be participating in such a unique experience,” George said.

The experience started with guest speaker, Traverse City East Middle School newspaper and yearbook adviser Jody Mackey having all of the students attending the conference play “Journalism Jeopardy”.

“I liked it, it was fun with jeopardy,” Alexis Pierce said.

After the the opening ceremony students

split up to attend small group sessions that taught kids how to format and take better pictures for your newspaper, news maga-zine, or yearbook.

“The sessions talked about journalistic methods and photography,” Gentry said. “This taught us some new ways to make our paper even better.”

During the closing ceremony, the editors of the paper one three awards including, Sarina Hobby won first place for Best Sports Photograph, Kelsey McKinley won first place for Best Features Article, and Lo-gan George rounded it off with third place for Best Page Design.

“When my name was announced I was so happy I won the first place award,” McKinley said.

In the spring, the editors will be at-tending another MIPA conference, where the Sailors On the Scene has had a lot of success the past two years winning gold and silver awards and many first place individual awards for their writing, photos and layouts.

“I’m excited to go to see how many more awards we can win,” Jibson said. “I most likely will sign up for publications in high school because it is fun and we get to hear a lot of things before anyone else.”

by: madison gentry / section editor

by: samantha fox / staff writer

photo by: samantha fox

200 eyed eggs get put into 55 degree water in the Media Center.

Sailors On the Scene editors pose for a picture outside of the Michigan State University student union after the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association conference.

photo by: mike phillips

Mona Shores Middle School students and staff participated in the annual canned food drive on October 29 through November 7 that helps the local Muskegon Rescue Mission.

Students and staff competed in their first hour classes for seven days raising a school total of 1,720 cans.

“This year the rescue mission has been really down on canned foods,” student con-gress adviser Leah Kern said. “They have always been grateful for getting them.”

Science teacher Mike Buboltz’s class finished first in the drive with 645 cans for a 22.2 can per student average.

“I was really proud of their generosity,” Mr. Buboltz said. “They worked really hard and donated lots of cans. Some of them even donated lots of their own money.”

In second place was math teacher Stepha-nie Shaffer with 130 cans and rounding out third was English teacher Beth Prentice with 36 cans.

“I wanted to win the canned food drive

and help the needy have food to eat (over Thanksgiving),” seventh grader Kyle Peter-son said.

For class totals, eighth graders came in first raising 1,208 cans followed by the sixth grade with 276 cans and the seventh grade with 236.

“Mona Shores students have lots of op-portunities throughout the year to give back and it’s great to see them step up and do a great job each time,” middle school princi-pal Scott Levandoski said. “I’m just glad I didn’t have to shave my head this year.”

With the leadership of student congress, Mona Shores Middle School has been donating food and cans to places like the Rescue Mission and Salvation Army for over 15 years.

by: joie workman / staff writer

Food drive nets 1,720 cans

Features 5Bats attack Media Center for sixth grade scienceby: emily de mott / staff writer

Actual living, breathing bats were brought into the media center on Tuesday November 4 by Dale Smart, spokesman for the Organization for Bat Conservation, as part of the sixth grade animal unit.

The bats were brought in because the sixth grade teachers wanted students to see real animals alive and up close.

“I thought it was unique and fun seeing them flying and doing tricks,” sixth grader Pradeep Madduri said.

Bats are the only flying mammal in the world and a major part of the sixth grade animal and vertebrate unit that they study for a week.

“The bats were studied more in depth this year because of the program coming to town at Hoffmaster Park,” sixth grade sci-ence teacher Todd Herbert said. “Otherwise we wouldn’t spend a week on them, maybe just a day.”

Half of all species of bats in the world are either threatened or endangered of becom-ing extinct, with the two major factors be-

ing loss of habitat and human beings.“The things people can do to help are

reduce, reuse, and recycle and educate people about how bats are important,” Mr. Smart said.

Most bats have small eyes and terrible eyesight so they they use echolocation to help them see.

“I’d use it to find people in the hallway, because it’s really crowded,” sixth grader Devin Sweezer said. “And maybe to find my cellphone.”

Bats may be creepy to some, but they can save lives. The enzymes from the vam-pire bats have been turned into life-saving medicines and are very important to the ecosystem.

“I used to be scared of bats, but now I think they are really cool,” Sweezer said.

Top: Student Congress members help carry the food to the Muskegon Rescue Missions truck. Above: Seventh graders Kyle Peterson, Amanda Versalle, Clair Jennings and Mallory Schrier help carry the food from the classrooms.

by: joie workman

photos by: sarina hobby

Guest speaker Dale Smart, spokesman for the Organization for Bat

Conservation, shows sixth graders from Pod B one of the bats that he brought in.

An updated Media Center would be more comfortable for students

Opinions6

For the 2008 - 2009 school year, Mr. Byard, the school athletics director, decided to split teams equally, creating a fair mix between the blue and white basket-ball teams.

Splitting teams equally is fair for all

players, because very talented, and aver-age players both deserve to have a winning chance. Star players that were on the “A” team last year can now help lead the “B” team players with fundamental basketball skills, because they are on the same team and practice together.

Evening teams out also allows the blue and white teams to be able to scrimmage and practice against each other, without having one team that is a lot bigger, taller,

and better at basketball. Because there is a half hour of time when the blue and white teams practice in the same gym, we can double up and practice with them, but in a more real life situation than scrimmaging against our own team.

White and blue teams, instead of “A” or “B” teams, make all players feel more important.

And with this feeling of importance will come a more dedicated work ethic and help the team more on and off the court. When average student athletes have more experi-enced players on their team it makes them feel like they belong to a team of winners, which is what splitting teams is supposed to do.

Splitting teams was a good idea and in my opinion, should continue at the Middle School.

Splitting sport teams equally is fair for all players

KaganHopkins

photo by: sarina hobby

Former “white team” player Hayden Hall is now on the same team as former “blue team” player Brendan Avila.

The media center should be rearranged so students have a more comfortable and enter-taining environment to read, do homework, or share books they love.

Some books in the media center have not

been checked out in over 10 years, and, although they are classics, this can be a bit intimidating to students who want to try and

find a book they need. The other books that haven’t been checked out are do-

nated to a local public library, so if students still needed them, they would still have access. A great way to get some new and exciting books in the media center would be for students to bring in their favorite books and recommend them to others in a new, “Student Submitted Section,” although they would have to fit certain guidelines to be allowed in the Media Center.

It is very hard to find what you want in the confusing maze that is the Library Me-dia Center. There are only a few new books on display, but they are right above the magazines which are more likely to grab a student’s eye. And although the shelves and books are organized in nice and neat rows, it can still be hard to find the information that you need, unless your name is Dewey and you know your decimal system.

The media center also looks very plain

and a little too sterilized. It would be better if there were more lounge chairs or even a few bean-bags in a little area just for read-ing and socializing, instead of all those hard wooden chairs. This area could be like a little coffee shop without the coffee, allow-ing students to be more comfortable in a casual environment.

The media center is a good place to do research and pos-sibly check out books that you enjoy, but it is not really a comfort-able place to read them. Lounge chairs and bean-bags would present a better seating situation and adding artwork, done by professional artists or students would reduce the intimidating feel that seems to be there.

HelenOldaker

photo by: helen oldaker

More comfortable chairs in the media center would be a benefit to students.

— Alex Wilkens ~ 7th

“I think the media center is alright the way it is, but it could use some better stuff.”

— Mrs. Veurink ~ Faculty

“30 to 50 books a day out of 10652 items total, we usually get rid of books 10 or more years old and donate them to public libraries or something, unless they are classics.”

Opinions 7

Choosing locker partners could be benefi-cial for students and they would be more on time for classes, students would be able to trust their partner, and the thought of having an uncomfortable conversation would never

occur.When walking

through the hallway, students are standing next to their lockers having a conversation with friends. Pushing and shoving through the hallways makes things worse and makes it

even more crowded. The convenient thing to do would be to have a friend as a locker partner because it would make things less hectic in the hallways and you would not have to go all frantic and look for them.

Trusting an unknown partner with iPods, cell phones, and a camera is a risk and

many students are uncomfortable with it. These valued student possessions are not allowed during the day so many students just keep them in their locker until after school. We should not have to take the chance of having our belongings hijacked because we can’t be with people that we trust.

The middle school never had the choice of choosing there locker partner because the administration has all agreed that by not picking our locker partners it will allow us to develop “social skills and maybe make a new best friend,” but in reality, that does not happen. Many of the students are not even aware of their partner’s name.

When given the privilege to choose your locker partner, being organized in middle school could be fairly easy.

School should start later because the re-search and facts show that teens don’t actually wake up until 9:00 a.m.

If schools really wanted to get more out of their educational dollars, they should fol-low what the research

says. Not only would there be more time for students to rest before school, but also less time to get into trouble after. Schools would see an improvement in grades in the first two class periods and a decline in tardiness and a possible reduction in the drop-out rate.

Adjustments would not only have to be made to family schedules, but to after school activities and bus schedules as well. Teachers would have to stay at school later which might lead to interferences with after-school jobs and other activities. Students

would have to adjust for after-school sports, clubs, and activities.

One of the biggest adjustments would have to be made by the school district because students are required be in school a certain amount of days and hours. While the state says that students have to be in school a minimum of 180 days, Mona Shores students will be attending classes for over 187 days. This all boils down to 1,098 hours

that students will be sitting in classrooms preparing for their future.

School should start later because it would be better for the school and better for the students.

The benefits of being able to choose locker partners

School start time should match student’s biological clocks

KaylaSandore

TylerBryant

Many students suffer from a messy locker, one student may be a neat freak while the other is a slob.

illustration by: chris randall and tyler bryant

photo by: sarina hobby

— Evan Bluhm ~ 6th

“I do not really know my locker partner.”

— Emma Conley ~ 7th

“My locker partner is my best friend.”

by: alissa dykema, candis moore, lizzy paul, alexis pierce

Is Fear A Factor For You?

Center Section8

Joe Rogan, host of NBC’s Fear Factor, asks you to join the show. He tells you about the strange and sometimes terrifying things you would have to do to compete. You will be competing for $1,000,000.00. You accept the offer,

and realize you may be facing some of your biggest phobias.

40% 28% 28% 4%

What is your biggest fear?

“Ten tarantulas”Brooklyn Sabin

“Five rattle snakes, totally”

Greg Chandonnet

8th

7th

6th

Staff

Would you rather

eat a frog or a snail?

Would you rather be

stuck in a box with spiders or snakes?

Would you rather be

locked in a room with ten tarantulas or with five rattle

snakes?

Would you rather

be stranded on a desert or the North

Pole?

“Rattlesnakes”Kenadi Carpenter

“Ten tarantulas be-cause they are easier

to kill”Jeremy Szost

“Snakes”Anne Spielberger

“Spiders”Jacob Harding

“Rather be locked with snakes”Tony Wilson

“Definitely spiders” Myreka Cook

“Probably a snail.”Kassidy Vredeveld

“Snail”Austin Boynton

“Frog”Sadie Boxer

“Frog”Devin Buit

“The North Pole”Shelly Dykstra

“The North Pole.”Mrs. Helson

“The desert”Mr. Adams

“The desert”Mr. Whalen

Death Sharks A Small Room Needles

by: alissa dykema, candis moore, lizzy paul, alexis pierce

Center Section 9

by: leeann ronning, kenzie carey, cherish pittman, brandy cumbee.

W ho would you rather take to the prom?

“I would have to say that my celebrity crush is

Matthew Mcconaughey for obvious reasons.”

Sandy Hillard ~

Attendence Clerk

“My celebrity crush is Orlando Bloom because he’s cute, funny, and very talented.”

Lizzy Groenhout ~ 6th grade

“The celebrity that I would want to be with

would be Mariah Carey because she’s fine and

she is an awesome singer.”

Malik Taylor ~ 7th grade

“C.M Punk is my celebrity crush because he is known as a straight edge wrestler and he doesn’t do

drugs.”

Holly Archer ~ 8th grade

“My celebrity crush would be Jessica Alba because she’s really hot and she is a great

actress.”

Brandon Cotrell ~ 8th grade

“The celebrity that I like would be Chris Brown because he is cute and a great

singer.”

Courtney McKenzie ~ 7th grade

“I would say that Jessica Alba is my celebrity crush because she is really hot

and she’s a good actress.”

Cody Shotts ~ 6th grade

“The celebrity that I like is Carrie Underwood because she is amazing and made it to the big time with her

great voice”

Mr. Byard ~ Dean of Students

Who’s Your Celebrity

Prom Date?

Your eyelids slowly slide open. You look around to see that some type of fairy has showed up in your room. After a minute of trying to wake yourself up, you realize it’s not a dream. The fairy starts to ask you strange questions about who your favorite celebrity crush is. Then he says, as soon as you tell him who it is, he promises to go shoot them with an arrow to make them fall in love with you. Now think clearly, it’s close to prom and he says anyone you choose, he will get to go with you to the prom. Who would you pick?

Mr. Hogston

“Sarah Palin because she has political aspirations and it took her to the big stage.”

Who is your celebrity crush?

Ms. Willson

Who was your celebrity crush when you were in middle school?

“Johnathon Taylor Thomas because he was so hot and really popular when I was in middle school.”

W ho do you think is the cutest celebrity couple?

Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens

81%

Mr. Wahlberg

“For me the three celeb-rity crushes that I had were Whitney Houston, Cindy Crawford, and Julia Roberts because they were all amazing”

Who were three popular celebrities when you were in middle school?

19%

Rihanna

Jessica Alba

Chris Brown

Drake Bell

13%

5%

49%

34%

Sailor Days10

TeacherThis secret sailor’s middle name is Lucille. She was born in Muskegon. Her favorite actor is Matthew McConaughey. Her best friend’s name is Cathy. She has no pets. Who is this Secret Sailor?

6th GradeThis secret sailor has three siblings named Alec, Drew, and Trevor. One of her favorite foods is sausage. Volleyball is a sport that she enjoys playing. You will find her shopping at Hollister. Yellow is her favorite color. Who is this Secret Sailor?

7th GradeThis secret sailor’s favorite sports team is Michigan State. His favorite holiday is Christmas. Pizza is a one of his favorite foods. His best friend’s name is Andrew. Who is this Secret Sailor?

8th gradeThis secret sailor was born at Hackley Hospital. His best friend’s name is Tyler. His middle name is Samuel. His favorite class is Digital Film. His favorite holiday is Christmas. Who is this Secret Sailor?

S e c r e t - S a i l o r s

Advice 101What to give for Christmas

for Brother

A video game or gift card to one of his

favorite stores is always reliable for a brother,

younger or older.

for Dad

A Dad can always use new tools or duct tape. And if he’s really lucky,

a 50” plasma TV.

for Mom

The best Christmas present for Mom would have to be something

from the heart or homemade.

for Sister

The best Christmas present to get for a

sister would have to be clothes or jewelry.

for Pet

When Christmas comes around that

special pet would love to see a squeaky toy

or tasty treats.

Sailor Days 11Secret Sailor Answers:Teacher: Mrs. Helsen6th Grader: Amy Gesiakowski7th Grader: Jason Janczyk8th Grader: Chase Colella

Studentsof the month

Student-Athletesof the month

8th Grade Basketball 8th Grade Basketball8th Grade 8th Grade

Logan GeorgeJaclyn Burdo

David BloomDarnell Longmire

When you wake up early Christmas morning what do you hope is under the tree from Santa?

voices

LOGAN BERGREN6th GRADE

“Just to be with my family on Christmas.”

“I want new shoes.”

DANIELLE MORLEY 7th GRADE

“I want a touch camera.”

“I want to see a GPS for my car.”

hallsfrom the

KYLE LAWSON8th GRADE

MRS. MOGDISCOUNSELING OFFICE

TAYLOR DEWITT6th GRADE

“I want an iPod Home.”

“I want a green Apple laptop to be under the tree.”

PARKER SLAGH7th GRADE

“I want a snowboard to be under the tree.”

“I want a brand new Harley-Davidson 11,000 Electra Glide.”

KENADI CARPENTER8th GRADE

MR. WHALENTECHNOLOGY TEACHER

Sports12

by: arielle jibson and brooke ledsworthTwins find success in and out of athletics

Eighth graders Morgan and Meredith Smith may be twins, but they are also just two normal middle school student-athletes that know how to achieve in athletics and in school.

“I don’t just do good enough to get by, Morgan said. “I like to get good grades.”

School comes first for both of the Smith twins because they know it is their grades that will get them into a good college.

“Sports mean a lot to me, but they probably won’t get me as far as my grades could,” Meredith said.

They enjoy most of the same sports, but not always at the same level. For example, Meredith’s favorite sport is basketball while Morgan’s is golf.

Their parents have had a major impact on them when it comes to school and sports.

“Our parents do have a big impact,” Meredith said. “But they are always there for us.”

When the girls are playing together, they treat one another just as they treat their other teammates.

“The girls are good team players and their energy level helps keep the rest of the team going even when they’re down,” former AAU coach Ann Ledsworth said.

Both have been playing sports for a long time and it shows with their hard work and dedication.

“They push each other every day on the

court to get better,” eighth grade basketball coach Mike Phillips said. “Their hard work and hustle rubs off on their teammates and forces them to kick it into the next gear to keep up.”

In order for them to excel, they have to work very hard because things do not

always come naturally.“It doesn’t come easy for me,”

Meredith said. “I have to work for it.”

Personal issues between the twins doesn’t come between them and their teammates while they are on the court or on the field.

“Personal issues are some-times on my mind, but usually

when it’s game time that’s the only thing running through my head,” Morgan

said. “I don’t let my personal issues bug me when I’m on the court. I just think about the

game and nothing else.”With the work ethic and dedication that Morgan

and Meredith show in and out of athletics, the future looks bright for both of them.

“Morgan and Meredith Smith exemplify the kind of intensity and dedication that we desire for our players in the Mona Shores girls basketball

program,” varsity basketball coach and high school social studies teacher Brad Kurth said. “We look forward to four good years of basket-

ball with each of them and believe they will do wonderful things in our program along with a great class of 2013.”

Smith’s Speak

“I like playing with Morgan because we understand each other well.”

“I like having my twin by my side so it’s nice to play sports together.”

-Meredith -Morgan

Fun Facts about Meredith!

Biggest pet peeveWhen the door isn’t shut

Favorite cheeseCheddar

Favorite Ice CreamMackinaw Island FudgeFavorite Holiday

ChristmasFavorite place in the world

The beach

Fun Facts about Morgan!

Biggest pet peeveSlow people in the hallway

Favorite cheese American

Favorite Ice Cream Chocolate

Favorite Holiday Christmas

Favorite place in the worldCorrine’s House

by: chris randall I staff writer

Seventh grade blue basketball dominates visiting Rockets

Sports 13

On November 10 the seventh grade boys blue basketball team outscored the visiting Reeths Puffer Rockets by 30 in an unbal-anced game.

Right from the start, Annjuar Chappel delivered an amazing scoop pass to Colin Rabach who scored the first bucket of the season one minute into the game.

“Coach Adams called good plays and we were in good positions,” Rabach said.

At the end of the first quarter Shores stampeding man to man defense held Reeths Puffer to only two free throws and a six to two Sailor lead.

“Having only three or four practices, they played very well against Reeths Puffer,” coach John Adams said.

Puffer scored their first bucket of the game to start the second quarter, but Shores struck back with ten points of their own behind the lead of Chance Eigenauer to make it sixteen to six.

“The other team couldn’t hit any of their shots and we got almost all of the rebounds,” Eigenauer said.

It was apparent early that Reeths Puffer was going to have trouble with the Sailors’ killer defense holding the Rockets to only six points by halftime.

“We played good defense and kept getting steals,” Chappel said. “We scored almost every time we got the ball and made good passes.”

By the start of the fourth quarter it was clear that Puffer had all they could handle with the Sailors offense, giving up sixteen points, eight of them to Cameron Matthews, ending the game forty two to sixteen.

“We had good defensive steals, a lot of fast breaks, and a lot of good passes,” Matthews said.

Girls should not be excluded from play-ing contact sports with boys because it would greatly benefit their future in many ways.

Playing sports with boys teaches girls how to adjust and associate with different types of people. According to a recent study done by Pepperdine University, play-ers on boys teams are recognized more for their individual skills versus a girls team that relies more on social compat-ibility. Being exposed to this different team structure is beneficial when work-ing on any type of school project or social interaction.

There are usually no opportunities to form girls teams in sports such as wrestling and football. Most girls are not able to keep up with the boys, but if a girl can, there is no reason why she shouldn’t be able to play.

The biggest sports business in Amer-ica is football. Every year thousands of people make millions of dollars playing, coaching, and managing teams. Because football has always been exclusively a male sport, almost all of these great jobs are filled by men and it is almost impossible for women to break into this business. Allowing girls to participate in this sport would increase the oppor-tunities for women in this very lucrative business.

The experience from playing contact sports could drastically change a girls perspective at school, work, and in social situations.

Ella Turrell

Playing contact sports benefits girls

Anthony Wilson (#20) drives past the Reeths Puffer defender while teammate Logan Smith (#42) clears out a lane to the hoop.

photos by: sarina hobby

Annjuar Chappel (#4) and Cameron Matthews guard against an inbound play. Matthews finished with a game high sixteen points.

Lock-ins would be a way to start the school year off great

Entertainment14

New iPod nano-chromatic excites teensThe Apple Company

has sold millions and made a fortune off of the iPod and will make considerably more with this new iPod, the nano-chromatic.

The iPod has changed up its ap-pearance since the last

version. The chromatic has nine awesome new colors from gray to pink. This device has some newer features than the previous nano such as a large bright screen that helps for watching videos and browsing your mu-sic. The screen hasn’t just changed by the brightness and size, but also by the rotation. If you turn your iPod on its side, the screen will change to its side too. The iPod also now has a slimmer shape and has rounded edges along the sides.

A new mode has been added to the iPod called Genius. When you are listening to

a song and you like it, the Genius mode makes a mini playlist with all similar songs to that one. Another new mode is the “Shake Shuffle”. While you’re listening to the iPod, all you have to do is shake it and it changes to a random song.

The price for the iPod nano-chromatic 8GB is $149 with it’s 16GB counterpart at $199. With all the new features, games, and looks, these seem to be reasonable prices.

You should buy an iPod nano-chro-matic if you do not have one already, but if you have one of

the previous iPod’s then you might want to think about it.

Some people may think buying this new appliance is pointless, others will love the new upgrade and buy a new one.

Starting the school year off with a grade level lock-in would be a great opportunity for students to get excited about the upcoming school year and to show their school spirit.

Lock-ins were part of the middle school

tradition in the past and bringing them back would give students the opportunity to get to know their new classmates and teachers. It would also give teachers a chance to get to know the students better by participating with them in the games and activities.

A lock-in would allow student to demon-strate the qualities of a leader, like respon-sibility, intelligence and most importantly

school pride. Trusting them to make wise decisions and not get into trouble.

Many entertaining games and activi-ties would be played by the teachers and students. One activity could be karaoke, where students could sing songs with their classmates and teachers. There could be team games, like the girls basketball team would play basketball against a group of

female staff members. A group of students and a staff members could form a team and everyone

could participate in a scavenger hunt around the school.

A way that might make this work in a more efficient way would be to have sepa-rate grade level lock-ins. It would be an interesting idea for there to be three separate lock-ins for the three different grade levels. This way students could bond with their classmates without the older or younger classmates around.

A lock-in could show many impressive things going on with the student body like leadership, pride, responsibility and it could show the students that the new school year can be spectacular.

Last year’s seventh graders show what a great time a lock-in could be.

Listening to his iPod is eighth grader Trevor Council. He has been enjoying the new features since he bought it.

courtesy photo

Brenden Farnquist

photo by: brenden farnquist— Ben Romaniello ~ 6th

“It’s a lot better because you can do more stuff than just listen to music.”

— Elyse Tejchma ~ 6th

“I think it would be cool to spend the night with all your friends.”

— Elise Georgeff ~ 7th

“I would like a lock-in, because you would meet other people and be with your friends.”

KelseyMcKinley

Entertainment 15

Bowling offers a cheap, fun activity for studentsBowling is a relaxed

activity that any student could get involved in, whether you join a league or want to have fun with friends and family.

One of the closest places to join a league is Sherman Bowling Cen-

ter. They have leagues every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is only $7.00 including three games and shoes. Stu-dents can participate in different divisions

depending on how good they are and their age. The divisions include pee-wees,

minors one, minors two, and the majors.If you’re one of those students that is

looking for something to do after school with friends, why not go bowling and have

fun there? It’s an activity that you can play to pass some time or stay for hours. While the regular price is only $2.25 per game, there are usually coupons going around to get you at least your first game for free. Tack on shoe rental at only $2.25 a pair, it makes for an inexpensive yet, enjoyable experience.

Sherman Bowling Cen-ter also offers a variety of things to do while you are waiting your turn on the lanes. There is a restaurant where you can eat things such as, fries, burgers, and na-chos. Near the restaurant is an arcade room where people can play ski-ball, pinball, deer hunting game, and a pool table.

Bowling is an active sport and if more students would bowl, it would be good for them and the bowling center.

HunterCarlson

On Saturday league, eighth grader Grant Gillard approaches the lane, lines up and gets ready to hook his ball down the lane.

courtesy photo

— Raymond McGarvey ~ 6th

“I like bowling because it is a fun way where you can go out and have fun.”

— Brandon Stafford ~ 8th

““I like bowling because you get your anger out on the pins.”

Guitar Hero rocks with new instrumentsActivision recently

released their much anticipated Guitar Hero World Tour that now allows you to add a drum set and microphone.

For a long time if someone played the original Guitar Hero, they could only play

the guitar and have up to two players. With this new release, Activision has added the functionality to allow you to add a drum set and microphone and rock with up to three friends. This release now competes with the MTV Game, Rock Band.

Similar to the Rock Band drum set, which had four drums and a foot peddle, the Guitar Hero World Tour drum set has three drums, two cymbals, and a foot peddle. One other thing that makes this set unique in its design is that the loudness of the drum depends on

how hard you hit it. Guitar Hero World Tour has also changed the guitar design from having a plain color face to now having the ability to change the face plates. The new guitar also has a new slider board which changes the sound of a cord as you play it by running your finger across it.

Many new features have been added to the game including 86 new songs and even the ability to create your own while con-nected online. It also has new characters to choose from and play like Ozzy Osbourne, Ted Nugent, Hayley Williams, and Travis Barker. You can also create and edit your own characters by entering the create-a-rocker mode.

With all of these new features this new game would be a great gift for everyone who likes music and playing video games.

Eighth graders Aaron Abbott and Eric Sipovic rock out with the new Guitar Hero World Tour.

photo by: lance osborne

LanceOsborne

— Derek Cope ~ 8th

“I am glad that they added drums and a microphone because it puts more excitement into the game.”

16 Photo Story

Takin’ iT To The hoopSeventh and eighth grade boys blue basketball teams played

Reeths Puffer during Shores only Friday game on November 14.

Top: Seventh grader Chance Ei-genauer (50) tries to snag the ball after it was dropped while seventh grader Marco Moffet (22) watches.

Bottom: Seventh grader Annjuar Chappel (4) takes it in strong.

Seventh grader Cameron Matthews (12) attempts to pass the ball in while being defended.

Seventh grader Logan Smith (42) stepping in for a lay up.

Top: Seventh grader Alec Sturr blocks a passing lane.

Bottom: Seventh grader Christian Zurchauer gets ready to pass in the ball to a teammate.

Eighth grader Hayden Hall (53) attempts to pass the ball in.

Eighth grader Darrien Cross (31) secures a rebound while team-mates Kagan Hopkins (51), Ossie Gordon (25) and Darnell Longmire (21) get ready for the break.

Eighth grader Jeremy Szost (11) gets off a shot as eighth grader Joe Kostrzewa (45) sets a pick.

Eighth grader Jake Sherburn (35) jumps up for a rebound.

Eighth grader Chris Sherburn (55) walks off the court at halftime.

Eighth graders Brendan Avila (43) and Ossie Gordon (25) work together to break the press.